Trusting God: Building Faith Through Obedience and Sacrifice

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God Through Testing

God often allows tests in our lives not to harm us, but to grow our faith, deepen our character, and prepare us for what lies ahead. Like Abraham, we may be called to step into situations that seem impossible or even painful, but these moments are opportunities to experience God’s faithfulness firsthand. When we recognize that God’s tests are not temptations but invitations to trust Him more, we can embrace them with hope, knowing that He is shaping us for His purposes. [19:12]

Genesis 22:1-3 (ESV)
After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” So Abraham rose early in the morning, saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and his son Isaac. And he cut the wood for the burnt offering and arose and went to the place of which God had told him.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense God is testing your trust or obedience right now? How might you respond differently if you saw this as an opportunity for growth rather than a hardship?

Day 2: Obedience Flows from Love

True obedience to God is not just about duty or fear, but springs from a heart that loves Him above all else. When we love God more than His gifts, more than our own desires, and more than anything or anyone else, obedience becomes a natural response. The world constantly tugs at our passions and affections, tempting us to follow lesser loves, but God calls us to steward our hearts and keep Him as our first love. This kind of love-driven obedience is what God desires and what leads to a life of purpose and blessing. [29:52]

John 14:15 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

Reflection: What is one “gift” or passion in your life that sometimes competes with your love for God? How can you intentionally put God first in your heart today?

Day 3: Confidence in God’s Provision

Abraham’s journey with God taught him to trust not only in God’s promises, but also in His ability to provide—even when the way forward seemed unclear or impossible. When Isaac asked where the sacrifice was, Abraham confidently declared that God would provide, demonstrating a faith built on years of experiencing God’s faithfulness. In our own lives, we are invited to bring our questions and uncertainties to God, trusting that He sees, He knows, and He will provide exactly what we need in His perfect timing. [43:13]

Genesis 22:7-8 (ESV)
And Isaac said to his father Abraham, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” He said, “Behold, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” Abraham said, “God will provide for himself the lamb for a burnt offering, my son.” So they went both of them together.

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to trust God’s provision today? What is one practical step you can take to act in faith, even before you see the answer?

Day 4: God Is Our Faithful Substitute

In the moment of greatest need, God provided a substitute for Isaac—a ram caught in the thicket—foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ for us. When we were bound by sin and unable to save ourselves, God sent His one and only Son to take our place, bearing our iniquities and granting us forgiveness and peace. This act of mercy and faithfulness assures us that God keeps His promises and that we can trust Him with our deepest needs and our very lives. [54:26]

Isaiah 53:4-6 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus is your substitute and sacrifice change the way you approach God today? Is there any guilt or burden you need to lay at the foot of the cross?

Day 5: Building a Legacy of Faith

The story of Abraham reminds us that our faith and obedience are not just for ourselves, but for the generations that follow. When we walk steadfastly with God through trials and testing, we build a legacy that can bless our children, our community, and the world. The greatest inheritance we can leave is not material wealth, but a sincere, lived-out faith that points others to God’s faithfulness and love. Let us strive to be lighthouses—steadfast and shining—so that others may find hope and strength in Christ through our example. [59:08]

James 1:2-4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Reflection: What story of God’s faithfulness in your life can you share with someone younger this week to encourage their faith journey?

Sermon Summary

Trust is not something that comes easily, especially when the stakes are high and the path ahead is uncertain. Just as Abraham was called to trust God with the most precious thing in his life—his son Isaac—so too are we called to trust God in ways that stretch us beyond our comfort. Trust is not built in a moment; it grows through a history of walking with God, seeing His faithfulness in small things, and then in greater things. Abraham’s journey shows us that God’s tests are not temptations to sin, but opportunities to deepen our faith, to develop our character, and to prepare us for what lies ahead.

Obedience is at the heart of trust. Abraham’s obedience was immediate and complete—he did not delay, rationalize, or look for a way out. Delayed obedience is not obedience at all. The willingness to sacrifice, to let go of even the good gifts God has given, reveals where our true love lies: do we love the Giver more than the gift? Our hearts are easily swayed by passions and distractions, and we must be vigilant to steward our affections, guarding against anything that would take God’s place as our first love.

Trusting God’s character is what enables us to obey when the way is hard or doesn’t make sense. Abraham’s confidence came from knowing God personally, not just intellectually. He had seen God’s faithfulness in the past, and so he could trust Him with the future—even when it seemed impossible. This kind of trust is not passive; it requires action. Abraham didn’t just say he trusted God—he acted on it, and God provided in ways Abraham could not have foreseen.

God’s provision is not always what we expect, but it is always enough. In Abraham’s darkest moment, God provided a substitute—a ram in place of Isaac. This points us to the ultimate provision: Jesus, the Lamb of God, who takes away our sin and gives us new life. God’s faithfulness to His promises is unwavering, and His mercy is greater than we can imagine.

Finally, the legacy of faith we build through obedience and trust is not just for us, but for generations to come. Our steadfastness in trials, our willingness to trust and obey, becomes a lighthouse for others—a testimony that God is faithful, and that His promises endure. The greatest inheritance we can leave is a legacy of faith, lived out and passed on.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust is Built Through History with God Trust does not spring up overnight; it is cultivated through repeated experiences of God’s faithfulness. Abraham could trust God with Isaac because he had already trusted God in smaller steps—leaving his homeland, waiting for a promised child, and seeing God provide. Each act of trust builds a foundation for the next, enabling us to face greater tests with confidence. [11:35]
2. Obedience Requires Immediate Action and a Willingness to Sacrifice True obedience is not delayed or half-hearted. Abraham’s response to God’s command was immediate, without hesitation or rationalization. The willingness to sacrifice—even what we love most—reveals whether our hearts are set on the Giver or the gifts. Obedience flows naturally from love, and what we love most will always shape our actions. [25:19]
3. Guarding Our Hearts Against Competing Passions Our world constantly tugs at our affections, tempting us to give our hearts to lesser things. If we do not actively steward our hearts, passions and anxieties will crowd out our love for God. The call is to be vigilant, to recognize when our devotion is being stolen, and to intentionally return our first love to God, allowing Him to shape our desires and priorities. [32:08]
4. Faith in God’s Character Leads to Action, Not Just Words Trusting God is not a passive feeling but an active step. Abraham’s faith was demonstrated by his willingness to act, even when he could not see the outcome. God’s faithfulness in the past gives us courage to obey in the present, knowing that He will provide in ways we cannot anticipate. Faith that is not acted upon remains theoretical; it is in the doing that trust becomes real. [51:44]
5. A Legacy of Faith is Forged in Trials and Passed to Future Generations The steadfastness developed through testing is not just for our benefit, but for those who come after us. Our obedience and trust become a living testimony, a lighthouse that guides others through darkness. The most valuable inheritance we can leave is not material, but a legacy of faith—stories of God’s faithfulness that inspire and strengthen the next generation to trust Him as well. [57:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:52] - Children’s Lesson: Trust Fall and Abraham
[17:41] - Introduction: The Ongoing Journey of Faith
[20:00] - Understanding God’s Tests vs. Temptations
[22:26] - The Weight of Abraham’s Test
[25:19] - The Nature of Obedience: Immediate and Complete
[28:22] - The Willingness to Sacrifice: Loving the Giver Above the Gift
[32:08] - Stewarding Our Hearts and Passions
[36:55] - Trusting God’s Character in Difficult Times
[39:39] - Faith in God’s Provision: Abraham and Isaac
[43:13] - Confidence Built Through Relationship
[45:34] - Walking Together: Faith Passed Down
[48:54] - Growing Trust Through Experience
[51:44] - Trust Requires Action
[52:34] - God as Trusted Provider: The Ram and the Cross
[56:53] - Legacy of Faith for Future Generations
[59:08] - Embracing Trials as Joy
[60:58] - Becoming Lighthouses: Faith That Shines
[62:02] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Genesis 22:1-19 (ESV) — After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” ... (Read the full passage: Genesis 22:1-19)

Hebrews 11:17-19 (ESV) — By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

James 1:2-4 (ESV) — Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Observation Questions

What specific instructions did God give Abraham regarding Isaac, and how did Abraham respond? (Genesis 22:1-3; [22:26])
According to Hebrews 11:19, what did Abraham believe God could do, even if Isaac died? ([47:58])
In the sermon, what examples were given of Abraham’s history of trusting God before this test with Isaac? ([11:35])
What does James say is produced by the testing of our faith? (James 1:2-4; [59:08])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God chose to test Abraham in such a difficult and personal way, rather than with something less precious? ([23:36])
The sermon says, “Obedience is instant. Delayed obedience is not obedience.” Why is immediate action so important in our relationship with God? ([25:19])
How does Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac reveal what or whom he truly loves most? ([29:16])
The sermon mentions that trust is built through a history of walking with God. How does remembering God’s past faithfulness help us face new challenges? ([11:35])

Application Questions

The sermon talked about “delayed obedience is not obedience.” Can you think of a time when you delayed obeying God? What was the result, and what would it look like to respond immediately next time? ([25:19])
Abraham was willing to let go of even the good gifts God had given him. Is there something in your life—maybe even a good thing—that you sense God asking you to hold with open hands? What would it look like to trust God with it? ([29:16])
The world constantly tugs at our affections and passions. What are some specific “lesser things” that compete for your heart’s devotion to God right now? How can you be more intentional about guarding your heart this week? ([32:08])
The sermon said, “Trusting God is not just a feeling, but requires action.” What is one step of faith or obedience you feel God prompting you to take, even if you can’t see the outcome? ([51:44])
Abraham’s trust was built over time, through smaller steps of faith. Looking back, what are some ways you have seen God’s faithfulness in your own life? How can you use those memories to encourage yourself (or others) in current challenges? ([11:35])
The legacy of faith is passed on to future generations. What is one way you can intentionally share your faith story or God’s faithfulness with someone younger or newer in the faith this month? ([57:56])
James says to “count it all joy” when facing trials. Is there a current trial or test in your life that you can begin to see as an opportunity for growth? How might your perspective or response change if you viewed it this way? ([59:08])

Sermon Clips

Obedience is like I have. I am obedient to an outside authority that's greater than me. I have an honor and respect for that great authority that. That I'm going to do it as an act of duty, an act of respect and honor to that authority that's over me. And that's part of what obedience is. But this test in obedience, if you will act in my authority, was also a test of who do you love, Abraham? Do you love the giver of the gift? Or do you love the gift more than the giver? What's more important to you? What are you gonna follow? See, there's this thing. What you love, you will follow and be obedient to. What do you love and are passionate about? You will do. And you don't have to be commanded. You do it because that love moves you and it will discipline you and it will drive you because it's love. [00:28:41] (59 seconds) #LoveDrivesObedience

``So we see, God provided a. A substitute to sacrifice. Abraham bounded Isaac for that offering. But the Lord provided a substitute, a ram. A ram is a male sheep. And a male sheep was used for sin offerings. And so God is clearly saying, look, he's underscoring this is worthy and acceptable sacrifice. And so in the most of the hopeless situation, God shows up and provides a substitute that saves Isaac, that saves really the nations of his blessing. What did God do for us? In the hopelessness, in the time of, there was silence where people were desperate, longing for a Messiah. In the hopelessness of our sin and the punishment of the death and condemnation, God sends a substitute, his one and only son, to Die for you and I. So you and I, who are bound by sin, destined for death and condemnation, are set free by his grace and forgiven of our sins. For to live in that, live with him as a child of God. [00:53:35] (67 seconds) #LegacyOfFaith

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